As always purple_scorp your image is very revealing to the symbol involved.
I have mixed feelings about this symbol. The reason for this, is this statement found at
http://www.aber.ac.uk/cla/archive/grace.html The whole article is fascinating and actually there are other sites as well on harems, which also means ‘sanctuary’.
women within harems in the Ottoman Empire had more rights and enjoyed greater freedoms than married women in Europe, thereby establishing that the veil gave them the agency western women have fought for in the twentieth century. Grace opines that autonomy and the need for freedom from male texts and male spaces which male-ordered society has foisted upon women is a constant refrain within Euro-American feminism, whereas the Islamic veiled woman’s society has, since long, constructed for her this intimate female/ feminine locus which western woman lacks. Grace further establishes that the veil is often used as a cosmetic aid and a fashion device which makes it erotic to the wearer. Memoirs such as those of Leyla Saz Hanimefendi (1922) document the fact that the veil was in fact subject to design and fashion as it matched the garments being worn and was often made of exquisite fabrics with different styles for the day and evening. Alev Lytle Croutier’s 1989 account reveals the etiquette of veiling: the veil, itself translucent and tantalisingly revealing the facial features of the wearer is, in itself, a signifier of the harem, the sanctuary of women, which when worn, signified the sacramental closed doors of the space of woman which no man dare invade.
A harem contains a mixture of sensual women from various races …..some,it is said to form political alliances. I can also see it as a tribal society. Usually, in a harem, no one must see the women’s faces…..only their husband. If a man did, the punishment was death. There always seemed to be one that is the favorite and I’m sure there would be much jealousy and competition here to earn that right. Many are creative, intuitive and smart, and the sultan would seek their advice. Passionately, selflessly, they cater to his every whim and as a result they are well cared for.
Could this be where one sacrifice’s their own happiness….using their time and energy devoted to others. It could also be where we need support and approval from others, to push us on. Is this where we allow our lower animal nature to enslave us? Perhaps it is where one’s will is weak (lack of self confidence) and can often be taken over by a stronger personality. A harem girl has the ability to dissolve into an active role to please the passions and sexual energies of another…….one who wants nurturing but definitely no commitments. What happens when the attraction wears off, perhaps a woman would be sent to cook, clean, or look after the kids. Or even have the time to go after her own creative pursuits. And for the sultan, another search for the ideal woman begins.
Esoterically what if we looked at this symbol as the unconscious mind of the ‘virgin’ expanding into the conscious mind of humankind ? And/or elevating the feminine principle…….a creative and spiritual power?
There has been talk of women in the middle east and how they have been debased and sexually exploited for centuries. And we now hear women in these parts today are taking off their veils and starting to fight back. And in this fight, they are demanding equal rights! If we want to reform society isn’t it said we have to reform ourselves first. And this is done through work on our inner selves.
And it is a constant struggle to improve ourselves and perfect what it is we desire so intently. Through sex. creativity, passion, art, we pick up our broken pieces and try to put them back together again and through it all make something that works!
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